Samsung Galaxy S III

Design work on the S III started in late 2010 under the supervision of Chang Dong-hoon, Samsung's vice president and Head of the Design Group of Samsung Electronics. From the start, the design group concentrated on a trend which Samsung dubs "organic", which suggests that a prospective design should reflect natural elements such as the flow of water and wind.{{cite web |url=http://www.samsung.com/uk/news/localnews/2012/samsung-reveals-design-story-behind-galaxy-s-iii |title=Samsung reveals design story behind Galaxy S III |date=29 May 2012 |publisher=Samsung Electronics |access-date=14 June 2012 |archive-date=4 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215928/http://www.samsung.com/uk/news/localnews/2012/samsung-reveals-design-story-behind-galaxy-s-iii |url-status=live }} Some of the results of this design were the curved outline of the phone and its home screen's "Water Lux" effect, where taps and slides produce water ripples.

Throughout the eighteen-month design process, Samsung implemented stringent security measures and procedures to maintain secrecy of the eventual design until its launch. Designers worked on three prototypes concurrently while regarding each of them as the final product. Doing so required a constant duplication of effort, as they had to repeat the same process for all three prototypes.{{cite web |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s3-had-three-final-designs-to-avoid-leaks-1085190 |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 had three 'final' designs to avoid leaks |author=Smith, Chris |date=14 June 2012 |work=TechRadar |publisher=Future Publishing |access-date=14 June 2012 |archive-date=16 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616125911/http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s3-had-three-final-designs-to-avoid-leaks-1085190 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Samsung admits it was tough keeping the Galaxy S3 a secret|author=Page, Carly |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2184429/samsung-admits-tough-keeping-galaxy-s3-secret |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616221253/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2184429/samsung-admits-tough-keeping-galaxy-s3-secret |url-status=unfit |archive-date=16 June 2012 |newspaper=The Inquirer |publisher=AOP |date=14 June 2012 |access-date=15 June 2012}} The prototypes, of which taking photos was forbidden, were locked in a separate laboratory, accessible only by core designers. They were transported by trusted company employees, instead of third-party couriers.{{cite web |url=http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/samsung-galaxy-s3-production-frustrating-for-creators-50008262/ |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 production 'frustrating' for creators |author=Trenholm, Rich |date=14 June 2012 |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=14 June 2012 |archive-date=17 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617025611/http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/samsung-galaxy-s3-production-frustrating-for-creators-50008262/ |url-status=live }} "Because we were only permitted to see the products and others weren't," explained Principal Engineer Lee Byung-Joon, "we couldn't send pictures or drawings. We had to explain the Galaxy S III with all sorts of words."{{cite web |url=http://global.samsungtomorrow.com/?p=15267 |title=Don't Bring Your Work Home..Ever! |date=14 June 2012 |work=Samsung Tomorrow |publisher=Samsung Electronics |access-date=9 July 2012 |archive-date=25 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625010411/http://global.samsungtomorrow.com/?p=15267 |url-status=live }} Despite such security measures, specifications of one of the three units were leaked by Vietnamese Web site Tinhte, although it was not the selected design.{{cite web |url=https://thenextweb.com/mobile/2012/04/20/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-test-unit-appears-on-video-comes-with-impressive-specifications/ |title=Samsung Galaxy S III test unit appears on video, comes with impressive specifications |author=Brian, Matt |date=20 April 2012 |work=The Next Web |publisher=TheNextWeb.com |access-date=15 June 2012 |archive-date=20 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620201133/http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2012/04/20/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-test-unit-appears-on-video-comes-with-impressive-specifications/ |url-status=live }}

Speculation in the general public and media outlets regarding the handset's specifications began gathering momentum several months before its formal unveiling in May 2012. In February 2012, prior to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, there were rumors that the handset would incorporate a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, a display of 1080p (1080×1920 pixels) resolution, a 12-megapixel rear camera and a HD Super AMOLED Plus touchscreen.{{cite web |url=http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/samsung-galaxy-s3-leaked-photo-and-specs-hint-at-dual-boot-50007380/ |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 leaked photo and specs hint at dual boot |author=Lomas, Natasha |date=19 March 2012 |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=15 June 2012 |archive-date=21 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321091542/http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/samsung-galaxy-s3-leaked-photo-and-specs-hint-at-dual-boot-50007380/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3: New Specs Revealed Ahead of MWC 2012 |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/305370/20120227/samsung-galaxy-s3-specs.htm |newspaper=International Business Times |publisher=The International Business Times Inc. |date=27 February 2012 |access-date=15 June 2012 |archive-date=27 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627064225/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/305370/20120227/samsung-galaxy-s3-specs.htm |url-status=live }} More accurate rumored specifications included 2 GB of RAM, 64 GB of internal storage, 4G LTE, a {{Convert|4.8|in|mm|adj=on}} screen, an 8-megapixel rear camera, and a {{Convert|9|mm|in|adj=on}} thick chassis. Samsung confirmed the existence of the Galaxy S II's successor on 5 March 2012, but it was not until late April 2012 that Samsung's Senior Vice-president Robert Yi confirmed the phone to be called "Samsung Galaxy S III".{{cite news |title=Galaxy S3 Name Is Official And Strong Sales Expected, Says Samsung Executive |author=Mukherjee, Sangeeta |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/334161/20120427/samsung-galaxy-s3-release-q1-earnings-quad.htm |newspaper=International Business Times |publisher=The International Business Times Inc. |date=27 April 2012 |access-date=16 June 2012 |archive-date=27 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627040633/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/334161/20120427/samsung-galaxy-s3-release-q1-earnings-quad.htm |url-status=live }}

File:Samsung Mobile Unpacked 2012.jpg

After inviting reporters in mid-April, Samsung launched the Galaxy S III during the Samsung Mobile Unpacked 2012 event at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, United Kingdom, on 3 May 2012, instead of unveiling their products earlier in the year during either the World Mobile Congress or Consumer Electronics Show (CES).{{cite news |title=Samsung reignites smartphone wars with Galaxy S III |author=Orantia, Jenneth |url=http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/samsung-reignites-smartphone-wars-with-galaxy-s-iii-20120504-1y2ri.html |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=4 June 2012 |access-date=25 June 2012 |archive-date=14 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614055629/http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/samsung-reignites-smartphone-wars-with-galaxy-s-iii-20120504-1y2ri.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.t3.com.au/2012/04/17/samsung-galaxy-s3-launch-invites-issued-to-may-3rd-event/ |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 Launch: Invites issued to May 3rd event |date=17 April 2012 |work=T3 |publisher=Future Publishing |access-date=25 June 2012 |archive-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623234625/http://www.t3.com.au/2012/04/17/samsung-galaxy-s3-launch-invites-issued-to-may-3rd-event/ |url-status=live }} One explanation for this decision is that Samsung wanted to minimize the time between its launch and availability.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/249096/samsung_galaxy_s_iii_wont_be_unveiled_at_mobile_world_congress.html |title=Samsung Galaxy S III Won't be Unveiled at Mobile World Congress |author=Ionescu, Daniel |date=1 February 2012 |work=PCWorld |publisher=IDG |access-date=15 June 2012 |archive-date=11 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711064114/http://www.pcworld.com/article/249096/samsung_galaxy_s_iii_wont_be_unveiled_at_mobile_world_congress.html |url-status=live }} The keynote address of the hour-long event was delivered by Loesje De Vriese, Marketing Director of Samsung Belgium.{{cite news |title=Samsung unveil new Galaxy S3 smartphone at London launch |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9244619/Samsung-unveil-new-Galaxy-S3-smartphone-at-London-launch.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503235814/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9244619/Samsung-unveil-new-Galaxy-S3-smartphone-at-London-launch.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 May 2012 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=3 May 2012 |access-date=14 June 2012}}

Following the launch of the Galaxy S4 in June 2013, Samsung was reportedly retiring the phone earlier than planned because of low sales numbers and to streamline manufacturing operations.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Hyung-soo |url=http://english.etnews.com/electronics/2785622_1303.html |title=Samsung Electronics Reduces Parts Inventory for the First Time in Its Smartphone-Making History |work=ET News |date=6 June 2013 |access-date=3 November 2013 |archive-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030075944/http://english.etnews.com/electronics/2785622_1303.html |url-status=live }}

File:Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S III side by side.PNG (left) and the Galaxy S III (right)|alt=Photo of two phones turned off held next to each other with warm yellow ambience lightning. The phones are rested on a person's hand.]]

The S III has a plastic chassis measuring {{convert|136.6|mm|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|70.6|mm|abbr=on}} wide, and {{convert|8.6|mm|abbr=on}} thick, with the device weighing {{Convert|133|g|oz}}. Samsung abandoned the rectangular design of the Galaxy S and Galaxy S II, and instead incorporated round corners and curved edges, reminiscent of the Galaxy Nexus.{{Harvnb|Beavis|2012}}. The device has been available in several color options: white (marketed as "marble white"), black, grey, brushed dark blue (marketed as "pebble blue"), red (marketed as "garnet red"), and brown.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/04/galaxy-s-iii-new-color/ |title=A different shades Galaxy S III spotted in Germany (video) |author=Smith, Mat |date=4 June 2012 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |access-date=6 July 2012 |archive-date=29 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629190215/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/04/galaxy-s-iii-new-color |url-status=live }} A "Garnet Red" model was made available exclusively to US carrier AT&T on 15 July 2012.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 to Launch in Garnet Red on AT&T July 15 |author=Funaro, Vincent |url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s3-to-launch-in-garnet-red-on-att-july-15-78114/ |newspaper=The Christian Post |publisher=The Christian Post Company |date=12 July 2012 |access-date=13 July 2012 |archive-date=26 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526034134/http://www.christianpost.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s3-to-launch-in-garnet-red-on-att-july-15-78114/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/samsung-expands-galaxy-s-iii-colors-yes-you-can-get-brown/ |title=Samsung expands Galaxy S III colors: yes, you can get brown |author=Fingas, Jon |date=28 August 2012 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |access-date=28 August 2012 |archive-date=28 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828154655/http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/samsung-expands-galaxy-s-iii-colors-yes-you-can-get-brown/ |url-status=live }}

In addition to the {{Convert|4.8|in|mm|adj=on}} touchscreen, the S III has several physical user inputs, including a home button located below the screen, an option key to the left side of the home button, a back key on the right side of the home button, a volume key on the left edge and a power/lock key on the right.{{cite web |url=http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201205/20120514114339308/GT-I9300_UM_EU_Icecream_Eng_Rev.1.0_120511_Screen.pdf |title=GT-I9300 User Manual |publisher=Samsung Electronics |access-date=3 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916061930/http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201205/20120514114339308/GT-I9300_UM_EU_Icecream_Eng_Rev.1.0_120511_Screen.pdf |archive-date=16 September 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} At the top there is a {{Convert|3.5|mm|in|adj=on}} headphone jack and one of the two microphones on the S III; the other is located below the home button.

The S III comes in two distinct variations that differ primarily in the internal hardware. The international S III version has Samsung's Exynos 4 Quad system on a chip (SoC) containing a 1.4 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 central processing unit (CPU) and an ARM Mali-400 MP graphics processing unit (GPU).{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/samsung-announces-1-4ghz-exynos-4-quad-as-basis-for-galaxy-s3/ |title=Samsung announces 1.4GHz Exynos 4 Quad as basis for Galaxy S3 |author=Buckley, Sean |date=25 April 2012 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |access-date=15 June 2012 |archive-date=27 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627081157/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/samsung-announces-1-4ghz-exynos-4-quad-as-basis-for-galaxy-s3 |url-status=live }} According to Samsung, the Exynos 4 Quad doubles the performance of the Exynos 4 Dual used on the S II, while using 20 percent less power.{{cite web |url=http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-exynos-4-quad-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3-26224798/ |title=Samsung Exynos 4 Quad confirmed for Galaxy S3 |author=Davies, Chris |date=26 April 2012 |work=SlashGear |publisher=R3 Media |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630184533/http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-exynos-4-quad-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3-26224798/ |url-status=live }} Samsung had also released several 4G LTE versions—4G facilitates higher-speed mobile connection compared to 3G—in selected countries to exploit the corresponding communications infrastructures that exist in those markets. Most of these versions use Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 SoC featuring a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU and an Adreno 225 GPU.{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57448575-94/why-samsungs-u.s-galaxy-s-iii-has-a-dual-core-processor-and-why-you-shouldnt-care/ |title=Why Samsung's U.S. Galaxy S III has a dual-core processor (and why you shouldn't care) |author=Dolcourt, Jessica |date=6 June 2012 |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=7 August 2012 |archive-date=22 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622190621/http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57448575-94/why-samsungs-u.s-galaxy-s-iii-has-a-dual-core-processor-and-why-you-shouldnt-care/ |url-status=live }} The South Korean and Australian versions are a hybrid of the international and 4G-capable versions.

Like the predecessor, the S3 is equipped with an accelerometer, gyroscope, front-facing proximity sensor and a digital compass sensor.

However, the Galaxy S3 is the first Samsung flagship phone to be equipped with a barometer sensor.{{Cite web|url=https://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-4238.php|title=Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III – Full phone specifications|website=m.gsmarena.com|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=3 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703105801/https://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-4238.php|url-status=live}}

The S III has a maximum of 2 GB of RAM, depending on the model.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S III reviewed: The defining Android phone |author=Tofel, Kevin C. |url=http://gigaom.com/mobile/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-reviewed-the-defining-android-phone/ |publisher=GigaOm |date=20 June 2012 |access-date=1 July 2012 |archive-date=5 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705011542/http://gigaom.com/mobile/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-reviewed-the-defining-android-phone/ |url-status=live }} The phone comes with either 16, 32, or 64 GB storage;{{cite web|title=Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III|url=http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-4238.php|website=GSMArena|access-date=18 June 2017|archive-date=21 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621212110/http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-4238.php|url-status=live}} additionally, microSDXC storage offers a further 64 GB for a potential total of 128 GB.{{cite web |url=http://www.samsung.com/ae/microsite/galaxys3/en/specifications.html |title=Samsung Galaxy S III – Specifications |publisher=Samsung UAE |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-date=26 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626153207/http://www.samsung.com/ae/microsite/galaxys3/en/specifications.html |url-status=live }} Moreover, 50 GB of space is offered for two years on Dropbox—a cloud storage service—for purchasers of the device, doubling rival HTC's 25 GB storage for the same duration.

The S III's HD Super AMOLED display measures {{Convert|4.8|in|mm}} on the diagonal. With a 720×1280-pixel (720p) resolution, its 306 pixels per inch (PPI, a measure of pixel density) is a relatively high, which is accommodated by the removal of one of the three subpixels—red, green and blue—in each pixel to create a PenTile matrix-display; consequently, it does not share the "Plus" suffix found on the S II's Super AMOLED Plus display. The glass used for the display is the damage-resistant corning Gorilla Glass 2, except for S3 Neo variant. The device's software includes a feature known as "Smart Stay", which uses the device's front camera to detect whether the user's eyes are looking at the screen, and prevents the screen from automatically turning off while the user is still looking at it.

Like its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S3 supports Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) for connection to HDMI displays. The S3 is newly equipped with Miracast support (also known as Screen Mirroring; also branded "AllShare Cast" by Samsung) that allows wirelessly transmitting the device's display view to a supported television or Blu-ray player with integrated miracast support.

The S III has an 8-megapixel (3264×2448) camera similar to that of the Galaxy S II. It can take 3264×2448-pixel resolution photos and record videos in 1920×1080-pixel (1080p) resolution.

The camera software allows digital zooming up to four times,{{Cite web|last=Kirchheim|first=Benjamin|title=Bildqualität des Smartphones Samsung Galaxy S3 im Labor getestet|url=https://www.digitalkamera.de/Meldung/Bildqualitat_des_Smartphones_Samsung_Galaxy_S3_im_Labor_getestet/7847.aspx|access-date=2020-07-13|website=www.digitalkamera.de|language=de|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713160521/https://www.digitalkamera.de/Meldung/Bildqualitat_des_Smartphones_Samsung_Galaxy_S3_im_Labor_getestet/7847.aspx|url-status=live}} and displays the video's current file size (in kilobytes) as well as remaining storage capacity (in megabytes) in real-time during video recording.{{cite web |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 Review – Best smartphone ever made? [Video] |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-review-video-89883/ |website=Android Authority |access-date=13 October 2020 |date=27 May 2012 |archive-date=13 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013220221/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-review-video-89883/ |url-status=live }}

Samsung improved the camera's software over that of its predecessor to include zero shutter lag, and a Burst shot mode that allows capturing up to 20 full-resolution photos per row in quick succession. Another feature, Best Shot, allows selecting the best photo out of eight frames captured in quick succession.{{cite web |title=Galaxy S III – Zero Lag Camera |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-CWN8USOJM |publisher=Samsung Mobile |access-date=28 July 2020 |date=2012-06-15 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729005510/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-CWN8USOJM |url-status=live }}{{Harvnb|Beavis|2012|loc=part 9.}} The phone can also take pictures while recording videos.{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s3-review-50006020/ |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 review |author=Lomas, Natasha |date=24 May 2012 |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=17 June 2012 |archive-date=18 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618151334/http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s3-review-50006020/ |url-status=live }} {{Rating|4.5|5|score=4.5/5 in a 0–5 star scale}} Photos can additionally be captured using voice commands such as "cheese", "shoot", "photo", and "picture".{{Cite web|last=Cozma|first=Nicole|title=Use your voice to take pictures with the Samsung Galaxy S III|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/use-your-voice-to-take-pictures-with-the-samsung-galaxy-s-iii/|access-date=2021-03-19|website=CNET|date=7 September 2012 |language=en|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411042054/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/use-your-voice-to-take-pictures-with-the-samsung-galaxy-s-iii/|url-status=live}} The shortcuts on the left pane are customizable.{{cite web |title=How to Edit Shortcuts in Camera on Galaxy S3 |url=https://androidwidgetcenter.com/android-tips/how-to-edit-shortcuts-in-camera-on-galaxy-s3/ |website=Android Widget Center |language=en |date=2 August 2013 |access-date=8 August 2021 |archive-date=8 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808231709/https://androidwidgetcenter.com/android-tips/how-to-edit-shortcuts-in-camera-on-galaxy-s3/ |url-status=live }}

The rear-facing camera is complemented by a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera that can record 720p videos. The phone has LED flash and autofocus.{{cite web |url=http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-review-761p3.php |title=Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III review: S to the third |publisher=Gsmarena.com |date=20 May 2012 |access-date=25 July 2013 |archive-date=28 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728173614/http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-review-761p3.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-4238.php |title=Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III |publisher=Gsmarena.com |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-date=21 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621212110/http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-4238.php |url-status=live }}

The Galaxy S3 records videos with stereo audio and is able to capture 6 MP (3264×1836) photos during video recording, which is the full 16:9 aspect ratio section of the 4:3 image sensor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-review-761.php|title=Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III review: S to the third|website=GSMArena.com|access-date=11 February 2021|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107232448/https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-review-761.php|url-status=live}}

The S III's user-replaceable Li-ion 2,100 mAh battery is said to have a 790-hour standby time or 11 hours of talk time on 3G, compared to 900 hours in standby and 21 hours of talk time on 2G.

Built into the battery is near field communication (NFC) connectivity, which allows users to share files, map directions and YouTube videos quickly using Wi-Fi Direct (through S Beam), and perform non-touch payments at shops that employ specially equipped NFC cash registers.{{cite web |url=http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/samsung-galaxy-s3-contactless-nfc-payment-tested-in-uk-shops-50008426/ |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 contactless NFC payment tested in UK shops |last=Trenholm |first=Rich |date=28 June 2012 |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630121402/http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/samsung-galaxy-s3-contactless-nfc-payment-tested-in-uk-shops-50008426/ |url-status=live }} The battery can be wirelessly charged using a special charging pad (sold separately) that utilizes magnetic resonance to produce a magnetic field through which electricity could be transferred.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 & wireless charging: How it works |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-05/computing/31586090_1_charger-pixi-device |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025094919/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-05/computing/31586090_1_charger-pixi-device |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 October 2012 |newspaper=The Times of India |publisher=Bennett, Coleman and Co. |date=5 May 2012 |access-date=11 July 2012}}

The S III is advertised as having an MHL port that can be used both as a micro-USB On-The-Go port and for connecting the phone to HDMI devices. However, a retailer later discovered that Samsung had made a modification to the electronics of the port such that only the adapter made specifically for this model by Samsung could be used.{{cite web|title=Galaxy S3 MHL explanation |url=http://www.galaxymhl.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516154008/http://www.galaxymhl.com/ |archive-date=16 May 2015 }}

CNET TV torture-tested an S III by cooling it to {{Convert|24|°F|°C}}, placing it in a heat-proof box and heating it to {{Convert|190|°F|°C}}, and submerging it in water—the S III survived all three tests. The phone also did not exhibit any scratches when a key was repeatedly scraped against the display.{{cite web |url=http://cnettv.cnet.com/8301-33814_53-57468819-10391737.html |title=Episode 4: Torture-testing the Samsung Galaxy S3 |author=Wood, Molly |date=10 July 2012 |work=CNET TV |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=21 August 2012 |archive-date=20 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820014628/http://cnettv.cnet.com/8301-33814_53-57468819-10391737.html |url-status=live }} However, Android Authority later carried out a drop test with the purpose of comparing the S III and the iPhone 5. The screen on the S III shattered on the second drop test, while the iPhone received only minor scuffs and scratches on the metal composite frame after three drop tests.{{cite news|last=Rodriguez|first=Salvador|title=Is iPhone 5 the most durable iPhone ever? [Videos]|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-apple-iphone-5-drop-test-20120921,0,480497.story|newspaper=LA Times|access-date=15 October 2012|date=21 September 2012|archive-date=4 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004213504/http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-apple-iphone-5-drop-test-20120921,0,480497.story|url-status=live}}

Accessories for the Galaxy S3 include a wireless charging kit, the Pebble MP3 player, a docking station, a C-Pen, a slimline case, and a car mount.{{cite web |url=http://phandroid.com/2012/05/03/what-are-your-impressions-of-the-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-polls/ |title=What are your impressions of the Samsung Galaxy S3? [Polls] |author=Kennemer, Quentyn |date=3 May 2012 |work=Phandroid |access-date=5 May 2012 |archive-date=7 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507221343/http://phandroid.com/2012/05/03/what-are-your-impressions-of-the-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-polls/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=T |first1=Nick |title=Samsung Galaxy S III wireless charging kit introduced by Zens |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-wireless-charging-kit-introduced-by-Zens_id32935 |website=Phone Arena |date=2012-08-02 |access-date=8 August 2021 |archive-date=8 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808231514/https://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-wireless-charging-kit-introduced-by-Zens_id32935 |url-status=live }}

File:Galaxy S III SC-06D Pebble Blue 2.jpg

{{Further|Android (operating system)|TouchWiz|S Voice}}

File:TouchWiz 2012 dial pad.png

File:TouchWiz 2012 phone call.png

The S III is powered by Android, a Linux-based, open source mobile operating system developed by Google and introduced commercially in 2008.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2011/12/7/2585779/android-history |title=Android: A visual history |author=Ziegler, Chris |date=7 December 2011 |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=16 June 2012 |archive-date=17 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117223059/http://www.theverge.com/2011/12/7/2585779/android-history |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |title=Google Buys Android for Its Mobile Arsenal |last=Elgin |first=Ben |date=17 August 2005 |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |publisher=Bloomberg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205190729/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |archive-date=5 February 2011 |access-date=2012-02-20 |url-status=dead }} Among other features, the software allows users to maintain customized home screens which can contain shortcuts to applications and widgets for displaying information. Four shortcuts to frequently used applications can be stored on a dock at the bottom of the screen; the button in the center of the dock opens the application drawer, which displays a menu containing all of the apps installed on the device. A tray accessed by dragging from the top of the screen allows users to view notifications received from other apps, and contains toggle switches for commonly used functions. Pre-loaded apps also provide access to Google's various services. The keyboard software is equipped with a clipboard manager.{{Cite web|date=2012-06-15|title=18 Samsung Galaxy S3 Tips and Tricks for Power Users|url=http://techsplurge.com/10451/15-samsung-galaxy-s3-tips-tricks/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=TechSplurge|language=en-US|archive-date=21 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121012752/http://techsplurge.com/10451/15-samsung-galaxy-s3-tips-tricks/|url-status=dead}}

The S III uses Samsung's proprietary TouchWiz graphical user interface (GUI). The "Nature" version used by the S III has a more "organic" feel than previous versions, and contains more interactive elements such as a water ripple effect on the precluded lock screen, to resemble its appearance in nature. To complement the TouchWiz interface, and as a response to Apple's Siri, the phone introduces S Voice, Samsung's intelligent personal assistant. S Voice can recognize eight languages including English, Korean, Italian and French.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 Released in Korea |url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/06/26/2012062600752.html |newspaper=The Chosun Ilbo |publisher=Chosun Ilbo Company |date=26 June 2012 |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-date=28 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628223852/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/06/26/2012062600752.html |url-status=live }} Based on Vlingo, S Voice enables the user to verbally control 20 functions such as playing a song, setting the alarm, or activating driving mode; it relies on Wolfram Alpha for online searches.{{Harvnb|Beavis|2012|loc=part 5.}} With the Wake-up commands feature, voice commands can be set to launch apps and tasks out of stand-by mode, such as S Voice, camera, music player, voice recorder, missed calls, messages, and schedule.{{Cite web|last=Cozma|first=Nicole|title=Use voice commands from the Samsung Galaxy S3 lock screen|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/use-voice-commands-from-the-samsung-galaxy-s3-lock-screen/|access-date=2021-03-19|website=CNET|date=15 October 2012 |language=en|archive-date=21 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421102444/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/use-voice-commands-from-the-samsung-galaxy-s3-lock-screen/|url-status=live}} The Auto Haptic feature can complement audio with synchronous haptic feedback.{{Cite web|last=Natarajan|first=Amarnath|date=2012-09-03|title=How To Customize Sound Settings On Samsung Galaxy S3|url=https://www.primeinspiration.com/how-to-customize-sound-settings-on-samsung-galaxy-s3.html|access-date=2021-03-19|website=Prime Inspiration|language=en-US|archive-date=21 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621170008/https://www.primeinspiration.com/how-to-customize-sound-settings-on-samsung-galaxy-s3.html|url-status=live}}

The precluded telephone application is equipped with additional options for noise cancellation, call holding, volume boosting and the ability to personalize the call sound.{{cite web |title=Samsung Galaxy S III (I747) – In-call options |url=https://www.att.com/device-support/article/wireless/KM1294807/Samsung/GalaxySIIII747 |website=AT&T |language=en |access-date=26 November 2020 |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126122217/https://www.att.com/device-support/article/wireless/KM1294807/Samsung/GalaxySIIII747 |url-status=live }}

The new gallery software of the Galaxy S3 allows sorting photos and videos chronologically, by location, by group. Photos with tagged faces can also be sorted by person.

The Spiral View feature was added with the Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 update, which displays the thumbnails in a 3D spiral.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtVJG3yJ8kM|title=Video: "Gallery walk-through on Samsung Galaxy S3 with Jelly Bean 4.1.2"|website=YouTube|access-date=9 July 2020|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802184341/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtVJG3yJ8kM|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKaR_8lN9y8|title="New Gallery App (Grid, Spiral, Timeline) Galaxy S III Jelly Bean 4.1.2"|website=YouTube|access-date=9 July 2020|archive-date=3 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903142142/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKaR_8lN9y8|url-status=live}}

The precluded video player software is newly equipped with the ability to play videos in a floating pop-up that can be moved freely around the screen. In addition, the video player application is able to show motion thumbnails, which means that the preview thumbnails show a moving portion of the video.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdBJRVOXw_k|title=Video review of the video player software of the Galaxy S3|website=YouTube|access-date=6 July 2020|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708070542/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdBJRVOXw_k|url-status=live}}

The S III initially shipped with Android version 4.0.4, named "Ice Cream Sandwich", which became commercially available in March 2012 with the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus.{{cite news |title=Google announces Android 4.0.4 for GSM Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus phones |author=Latif, Lawrence |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2164732/google-announces-android-404-gsm-nexus-galaxy-nexus-phones |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330125206/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2164732/google-announces-android-404-gsm-nexus-galaxy-nexus-phones |url-status=unfit |archive-date=30 March 2012 |newspaper=The Inquirer |publisher=AOP |date=29 March 2012 |access-date=21 July 2012}} Ice Cream Sandwich has a refined user interface, and expanded camera capabilities, security features and connectivity.{{cite web |url=http://www.android.com/about/ice-cream-sandwich/ |title=Introducing Android 4.0 |access-date=25 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629152336/http://www.android.com/about/ice-cream-sandwich/ |archive-date=29 June 2012 |df=dmy-all }} In mid-June 2012, Google unveiled Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean", which employs Google Now, a voice-assistant similar to S Voice, and incorporates other software changes. Samsung accommodated Jelly Bean in the S III by making last-minute hardware changes to the phone in some markets.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/27/3121569/galaxy-s-iii-variants-ram-upgrade-jelly-bean |title=Galaxy S III variants got last-minute RAM upgrade 'to be future-proof' for Jelly Bean |author=Ziegler, Chris |date=27 June 2012 |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-date=28 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628225802/http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/27/3121569/galaxy-s-iii-variants-ram-upgrade-jelly-bean |url-status=live }} Jelly Bean updates began rolling out to S IIIs in selected European countries, and to the T-Mobile in the United States in November 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s3-android-4-1-1-jellybean-update-rolls-out-for-t-mobile-users-84963/|title=Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.1.1, JellyBean Update Rolls Out for T-Mobile Users|date=14 November 2012 |publisher=The Christian Post|access-date=14 November 2012|archive-date=26 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526033138/http://www.christianpost.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s3-android-4-1-1-jellybean-update-rolls-out-for-t-mobile-users-84963/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57518787-94/android-4.1-makes-its-way-to-samsungs-galaxy-s3/ |title=Android 4.1 makes its way to Samsung's Galaxy S3 |author=Reisinger, DON |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=24 September 2012 |access-date=25 September 2012 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105030352/http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57518787-94/android-4.1-makes-its-way-to-samsungs-galaxy-s3/ |url-status=live }} Samsung started pushing Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean to the international version of the S III in December 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.sammobile.com/2012/12/05/galaxy-s-iii-receives-android-4-1-2-jelly-bean-update-lots-of-new-features/|title=Galaxy S III receives Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Update, Lots of new features|date=5 December 2012|access-date=16 May 2013|archive-date=10 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510205711/http://www.sammobile.com/2012/12/05/galaxy-s-iii-receives-android-4-1-2-jelly-bean-update-lots-of-new-features/|url-status=live}}

This update shipped the so-called Premium Suite Upgrade which brought additional features to the Galaxy S3, such as split-screen app view as known from the Galaxy Note 2.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/samsungs-galaxy-s3-to-get-premium-suite-upgrade/ |title=CNet.com article about the Galaxy S3 ""Premium Suite" upgrade. |access-date=2 July 2020 |archive-date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702135347/https://www.cnet.com/news/samsungs-galaxy-s3-to-get-premium-suite-upgrade/ |url-status=live }}

In December 2013, Samsung began rolling out Android 4.3 for the S III, adding user interface features backported from the Galaxy S4, and support for the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25265889|title=Samsung retries botched update to Galaxy S3 smartphone|date=6 December 2013|website=BBC|publisher=BBC News|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=5 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805075116/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25265889|url-status=live}} In March 2014, Samsung started the rollout of 4.4.2 KitKat for the 2 GB variant of the S III.

The Galaxy S III is Samsung's first phone not to get new preloaded ringtones from software updates, a custom that is being continued to date.{{Cite web|url=https://news.samsung.com/medialibrary/global/photo/3296|title=Over the Horizon: The Evolution of the Samsung Galaxy Brand Sound - Samsung Newsroom Global Media Library|website=news.samsung.com}}

The S III comes with a multitude of pre-installed applications, including Google Apps like Google Play, YouTube, Google+, Gmail, Google Maps, Voice Search and Calendar, in addition to Samsung-specific apps such as ChatON, Game Hub, Music Hub, Video Hub, Social Hub and Navigation.{{cite web |url=http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/consumer/mobile/mobile-phones/smartphone/GT-I9300MBDTGY-spec |title=GALAXY S III – Tech Specs |publisher=Samsung Hong Kong |access-date=5 July 2012 |archive-date=21 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621064245/http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/consumer/mobile/mobile-phones/smartphone/GT-I9300MBDTGY-spec |url-status=live }} To address the fact that iPhone users are reluctant to switch to Android because the OS is not compatible with iTunes, from June 2012 Samsung offered customers of its Galaxy series the Easy Phone Sync app to enable the transfer of music, photos, videos, podcasts, and text messages from an iPhone to a Galaxy device.{{cite web |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/itunes-syncing-comes-to-samsung-galaxy-range-1086638 |title=iTunes syncing comes to Samsung Galaxy range |author=McCann, John |date=22 June 2012 |work=TechRadar |publisher=Future Publishing |access-date=5 July 2012 |archive-date=24 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624213957/http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/itunes-syncing-comes-to-samsung-galaxy-range-1086638 |url-status=live }} The user is able to access Google Play, a digital-distribution multimedia-content service exclusive to Android, to download applications, games, music, movies, books, magazines, and TV programs.

Apart from S Voice, Samsung has directed the bulk of the S III's marketing campaign towards the device's "smart" features, which facilitate improved human-device interactivity. These features include: "Direct Call", the handset's ability to recognize when a user wants to talk to somebody instead of messaging them, if they bring the phone to their head; "Social Tag", a function that identifies and tags people in a photo and shares photos with them, "Smart Alert", a haptic feedback (short vibration) when the device detects being picked up after new notifications have arrived; and "Pop Up Play", which allows a video and other applications to occupy the screen at the same time.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9243535/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-features-at-a-glance.html |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 features at a glance |author=Warman, Matt |date=3 May 2012 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-date=9 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709174010/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9243535/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-features-at-a-glance.html |url-status=live }} In addition, the S III can beam its screen to a monitor or be used as a remote controller (AllShare Cast and Play) and share photos with people who are tagged in them (Buddy Photo Share).

The S III can access and play traditional media formats such as music, movies, TV programs, audiobooks, and podcasts, and can sort its media library alphabetically by song title, artist, album, playlist, folder, and genre. One notable feature of the S III's music player is Music Square, which analyses a song's intensity and ranks the song by mood so that the user can play songs according to their current emotional state.{{harvnb|Beavis|2012|loc=part 12.}} The device also introduced Music Hub, an online music store powered by 7digital with a catalogue of over 19 million songs.{{cite news |title=Samsung boosts Galaxy appeal with Music Hub |author=Sandle, Paul |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-samsung-music-hub-idUSBRE84S07820120529 |work=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters |date=29 May 2012 |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=11 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711224526/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/29/us-samsung-music-hub-idUSBRE84S07820120529 |url-status=live }}

Its "Auto Haptic" feature vibrates synchronously to the audio output for intensification, similarly to the audio-coupled haptic effect, a feature added to stock Android in 2021.{{cite web |title=What is Auto-Haptic feature in Jelly Bean 4.1 based Samsung Smartphones? {{!}} Support {{!}} SAMSUNG UK (mirror) |url=http://skp.samsungcsportal.com/integrated/popup/FaqDetailPopup3.jsp?cdsite=in&seq=869465 |website=skp.samsungcsportal.com |access-date=8 April 2021 |archive-date=3 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403005703/http://skp.samsungcsportal.com/integrated/popup/FaqDetailPopup3.jsp?cdsite=in&seq=869465 |url-status=live }}

The S III was the first smartphone to support Voice Over LTE with the introduction of HD Voice service in South Korea.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3: First Smartphone to Support HD Voice Over LTE |author=Mariano, Kristin Dian |url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/372236/20120809/samsung-galaxy-s3-hd-voice-over-lte.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125212000/http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/372236/20120809/samsung-galaxy-s3-hd-voice-over-lte.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=International Business Times |publisher=The International Business Times Inc. |date=10 August 2012 |access-date=16 September 2012 }} The phone enables video calling with its 1.9 MP front-facing camera, and with support for the aptX codec, improves Bluetooth-headset connectivity.{{Harvnb|Beavis|2012|loc=part 6.}} Texting on the S III does not embody any new significant features from the S II. Speech-to-text is aided by the Vlingo and Google's voice-recognition assistant. Not unlike other Android devices, there is a multitude of third-party typing applications available that could complement the S III's stock keyboard.{{Harvnb|Beavis|2012|loc=part 7.}}

On 18 June 2012, Samsung announced that the S III would have a version with enterprise software under the company's Samsung Approved For Enterprise (SAFE) program, an initiative facilitating the use of its devices for "bring your own device" scenarios in workplace environments.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/18/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-gets-enterprise-friendly-version-in-the-us/ |title=Samsung Galaxy S LLPIII gets enterprise-friendly version in the United States, wears a Pebble Blue business suit |author=Fingas, Jon |date=18 June 2012 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |access-date=10 July 2012 |archive-date=22 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622015706/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/18/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-gets-enterprise-friendly-version-in-the-us/ |url-status=live }} The enterprise S III version would support AES-256 bit encryption, VPN and Mobile Device Management functionality, and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 to Release Enterprise Version to Compete Against Blackberry RIM? |author=Mariano, Kristin Dian |url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/353638/20120619/samsung-galaxy-s3-business-enterprise-version-blackberry.htm |newspaper=International Business Times |publisher=The International Business Times Inc. |date=19 June 2012 |access-date=10 July 2012 |archive-date=29 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529163523/http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/353638/20120619/samsung-galaxy-s3-business-enterprise-version-blackberry.htm |url-status=live }} It was scheduled to be released in the United States in July 2012. The enterprise version was expected to penetrate the business market dominated by Research in Motion's BlackBerry, following the release of similar enterprise versions of the Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II and the Galaxy Tab line of tablet computers.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/18/3094357/samsung-enterprise-ready-safe-galaxy-s-iii |title=Samsung launching enterprise-ready Galaxy S III in July |author=Robertson, Adi |date=18 June 2012 |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=10 July 2012 |archive-date=24 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724052210/http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/18/3094357/samsung-enterprise-ready-safe-galaxy-s-iii |url-status=live }}

A separate "Developer Edition" of the S III was made available from Samsung's Developer Portal. It came with an unlockable bootloader to allow the user to modify the phone's software.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 'Developer Edition' Coming To Verizon At $599 With Unlockable Bootloader |author=Bora, Kukil |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/361660/20120711/samsung-galaxy-s3-developer-edition-verizon-bootloader.htm |newspaper=International Business Times |publisher=The International Business Times Inc. |date=11 July 2012 |access-date=27 July 2012 |archive-date=15 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715062422/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/361660/20120711/samsung-galaxy-s3-developer-edition-verizon-bootloader.htm |url-status=live }}

On 19 September 2012, security researchers demonstrated during Pwn2Own, a computer hacking contest held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that the S III can be hacked via NFC, allowing attackers to download all data from the phone.{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57516966-83/iphone-4s-samsung-galaxy-s3-hacked-in-contest/ |title=iPhone 4S, Samsung Galaxy S3 hacked in contest |author=Mills, Elinor |date=20 September 2012 |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=22 September 2012 |archive-date=31 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031122250/http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57516966-83/iphone-4s-samsung-galaxy-s3-hacked-in-contest/ |url-status=live }}

In December 2012, two hardware issues were reported by users of the S III: A vulnerability of the Exynos SoC allowed malicious apps to gain root privileges even on unrooted devices, and a spontaneous bricking of the unit, called the "sudden death vulnerability", that occurs about six months after activation. Samsung has been replacing the mainboards of affected units under warranty.{{cite news | url=http://www.ibtimes.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-sudden-death-problem-device-getting-bricked-without-warning-corrupted-nand-blame | title=Samsung Galaxy S3 'Sudden Death' Problem: Device Getting Bricked Without Warning, Corrupted NAND To Blame? | newspaper=International Business Times | author=Bora, Kukil | date=22 December 2012 | access-date=28 December 2012 | archive-date=30 December 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230183917/http://www.ibtimes.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-sudden-death-problem-device-getting-bricked-without-warning-corrupted-nand-blame | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://gadgetinsiders.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-sudden-death-could-be-significant-issue/1204310/ | title=Samsung Galaxy S3 'Sudden Death' Could Be Significant Issue | website=Gadget Insiders | author=Walczak, Robert | date=27 December 2012 | access-date=28 December 2012 | archive-date=31 December 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231094120/http://gadgetinsiders.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-sudden-death-could-be-significant-issue/1204310/ | url-status=live }} In January 2013, Samsung released a firmware update that corrected both issues.{{cite web | url=http://www.nextpowerup.com/news/454/samsung-fixes-galaxy-s-iii-exynos-vulnerability-and-sudden-death-issue.html | title=Samsung Fixes Galaxy S III Exynos Vulnerability And Sudden Death Issue | work=NextPowerup | date=7 January 2013 | access-date=28 February 2013 | archive-date=13 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313153317/http://www.nextpowerup.com/news/454/samsung-fixes-galaxy-s-iii-exynos-vulnerability-and-sudden-death-issue.html | url-status=live }}

Affecting both Galaxy S II and III, some units can have high memory use without apparent cause, in itself causing units to be unable to store any more data and making the units memory to be 'full' when apparently not using all of the units internal memory available. In October 2012 Samsung noted that this was caused by a mass caching archive running in the background of units operational tasks. This copied and saved media, tasks and app information to a background archive which was not accessible to the user without change and re-writing of the phones operational script. When this has been altered access can be gained and the cache can be deleted and no further caching will occur unless requested. This issue was resolved for the Galaxy S III (and Later) model.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

{{As of|2013|alt=As of mid-2013}}, two S III explosions were reported. The first involved a man from Ireland,{{Cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/22/galaxy-s3-explodes-samsung_n_1617907.html |title=Galaxy S3 Reportedly Explodes, Samsung Investigating |newspaper=Huffington Post |date=22 June 2012 |access-date=3 November 2013 |archive-date=3 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003013253/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/22/galaxy-s3-explodes-samsung_n_1617907.html |url-status=live }}

while the more recent incident occurred when a Swiss teenager was left with second and third degree burns in her thigh caused by her phone's explosion.{{cite news |last=Kleinman |first=Alexis |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/10/galaxy-s3-explode_n_3567977.html |title=Galaxy S3 Explodes, Injuring Woman: Report |work=Huffington Post |date=10 July 2013 |access-date=25 July 2013 |archive-date=31 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731130849/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/10/galaxy-s3-explode_n_3567977.html |url-status=live }}

In October 2013, Samsung acknowledged swelling and overheating issues with the Li-ion batteries in many S III phones, and offered replacement batteries for affected devices.{{cite web|last=Mariano|first=Kristin Dian|title=Samsung Galaxy S3, S4 Batteries Swell; Company Offers Free Replacement|url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/514833/20131018/samsung-galaxy-s3-s4-battery-problems-issue.htm|work=International Business Times AU|publisher=International Business Times|access-date=21 November 2013|date=18 October 2013|archive-date=23 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023171235/http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/514833/20131018/samsung-galaxy-s3-s4-battery-problems-issue.htm|url-status=live}}

According to an anonymous Samsung official speaking to the Korea Economic Daily, the S III received more than 9 million pre-orders from 100 carriers during the two weeks following its London unveiling, making it the fastest-selling gadget in history.{{cite news |title=Samsung gets 9 million preorders for new Galaxy phone: report |author=Kim, Miyoung |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-samsung-idUSBRE84H00X20120518?irpc=932 |work=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters |date=17 May 2012 |access-date=31 May 2012 |archive-date=7 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707164733/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/18/us-samsung-idUSBRE84H00X20120518?irpc=932 |url-status=live }} Within a month of the London unveiling, auction and shopping website eBay noted a 119-percent increase in second-hand Android phone sales. According to an eBay spokesperson, this was "the first time anything other than an Apple product has sparked such a selling frenzy."{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 boosts secondhand phone sales |author=Entwistle, Dan |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9297279/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-boosts-secondhand-phone-sales.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=29 May 2012 |access-date=24 June 2012 |archive-date=24 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624053255/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9297279/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-boosts-secondhand-phone-sales.html |url-status=live }}

The S III was released in 28 countries in Europe and the Middle East on 29 May 2012.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 faces shipping delays for some models |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18250210 |newspaper=BBC News Online |publisher=BBC |date=29 May 2012 |access-date=24 June 2012 |archive-date=15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815090648/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18250210 |url-status=live }} To showcase its flagship device, Samsung afterwards embarked on a global month-long tour of the S III to nine cities, including Sydney, New Delhi, and cities in China, Japan, South Korea and the United States.{{cite news |title=Galaxy S3 launched in 28 countries |author=Cho, Ji-hyun |url=http://view.koreaherald.com/kh/view.php?ud=20120529001258&cpv=0 |newspaper=The Korea Herald |publisher=Herald Media |date=29 May 2012 |access-date=12 July 2012 |archive-date=11 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711203514/http://view.koreaherald.com/kh/view.php?ud=20120529001258&cpv=0 |url-status=live }}

The S III has helped Samsung consolidate its market share in several countries including India, where Samsung expected to capture 60 percent of the country's smartphone market, improving on its previous 46 percent.{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-05-31/news/31921692_1_ranjit-yadav-indian-smartphone-market-smartphone-segment |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 launched in India at Rs 43,180; eyes 60% of Indian smartphone market |newspaper=The Economic Times |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. |date=31 May 2012 |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-date=12 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512174628/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-05-31/news/31921692_1_ranjit-yadav-indian-smartphone-market-smartphone-segment |url-status=dead }} Within a month of release, Samsung had a 60-percent market share in France, while the company controlled over 50 percent of the German and Italian smartphone markets.{{cite news |title=Galaxy S3 Garners Top Consumer Reviews |url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/06/25/2012062500655.html |newspaper=The Chosun Ilbo |publisher=Chosun Ilbo Company |date=25 June 2012 |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-date=27 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627231456/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/06/25/2012062500655.html |url-status=live }} Over a similar period the S III helped increase Samsung's market share in the United Kingdom to over 40 percent, while eroding the iPhone 4S's 25 percent to 20 percent in the country.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 hits Iphone sales in the UK |author=page, Carly |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2188736/samsung-galaxy-s3-hits-iphone-sales-uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706000220/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2188736/samsung-galaxy-s3-hits-iphone-sales-uk |url-status=unfit |archive-date=6 July 2012 |newspaper=The Inquirer |publisher=AOP |date=3 July 2012 |access-date=4 July 2012}} The S III was scheduled to be released in North America on 20 June 2012, but because of high demand, some US and Canadian carriers delayed the release by several days, while some other carriers limited the market at launch.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/19/3097953/sprint-t-mobile-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-delay |title=Sprint says it's 'a little behind' on Galaxy S III shipments, T-Mobile limits launch markets |author=Ziegler, Chris |date=19 June 2012 |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=24 June 2012 |archive-date=22 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622023717/http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/19/3097953/sprint-t-mobile-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-delay |url-status=live }}

The S III's US launch event took place in New York City, hosted by Twilight actress Ashley Greene and attended by dubstep artist Skrillex, who performed at Skylight Studios.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 'Release Date' Kicked Off With 5 Features 'No Other Phone Has' And Red Carpet Launch Party |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/355643/20120623/samsung-galaxy-s3-release-date-usa-specs.htm |newspaper=International Business Times |publisher=The International Business Times Inc. |date=23 June 2012 |access-date=5 July 2012 |archive-date=1 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701001007/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/355643/20120623/samsung-galaxy-s3-release-date-usa-specs.htm |url-status=live }}

Samsung estimated that by the end of July 2012, the S III would have been released by 296 carriers in 145 countries, and that more than 10 million handsets would have been sold.{{cite news |title=Samsung eyes 10 mln mark for Galaxy S3 by end of July |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ir9DMRpWwEOHPhJGjis2I5NatIOA?docId=CNG.70b4a1719294974e0e6e751837a6a237.3f1 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=25 June 2012 |access-date=27 June 2012 |archive-date=28 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628000333/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ir9DMRpWwEOHPhJGjis2I5NatIOA?docId=CNG.70b4a1719294974e0e6e751837a6a237.3f1 |url-status=dead }} Shin Jong-kyun, president of Samsung's mobile communications sector, announced on 22 July that sales had exceeded 10 million.{{cite news |title=Galaxy S3 smartphone sales top 10 mln mark: executive |url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/techscience/2012/07/22/99/0601000000AEN20120722002300320F.HTML |agency=Yonhap News Agency |date=22 July 2012 |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-date=24 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724202515/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/techscience/2012/07/22/99/0601000000AEN20120722002300320F.HTML |url-status=live }} According to an assessment by Swiss financial services company UBS, Samsung had shipped 5–6 million units of the phone in the second quarter of 2012 and would ship 10–12 million handsets per quarter throughout the rest of the year. An even more aggressive prediction by Paris-based banking group BNP Paribas said 15 million units will be shipped in the third quarter of 2012,{{cite news |title=Samsung's Galaxy S3 worthy successor to iPhone: analysts |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2012/06/123_112646.html |newspaper=The Korea Times |publisher=The Hankook Ilbo Media Group |date=8 June 2012 |access-date=5 July 2012 |archive-date=11 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711113828/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2012/06/123_112646.html |url-status=live }} while Japanese financial consultant company Nomura placed the figure for this quarter as high as 18 million.{{cite news |title=Smartphone sales boost Samsung profits |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hxljFGGf-XAwye1UlKTxhVBzkeQQ?docId=CNG.08371ac52c751be9d97b7d4007d7a9e4.11 |agency=Agence France-Presse |newspaper=Dow Jones Newswires |publisher=Dow Jones & Company |date=6 July 2012 |access-date=7 July 2012 |archive-date=17 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217082108/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hxljFGGf-XAwye1UlKTxhVBzkeQQ?docId=CNG.08371ac52c751be9d97b7d4007d7a9e4.11 |url-status=dead }} Sales of the S III were estimated to top 40 million by the end of the year.{{cite news |title=Samsung may topple Apple |author=Cho, Mu-hyun |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2012/06/129_113221.html |newspaper=The Korea Times |publisher=The Hankook Ilbo Media Group |date=17 June 2012 |access-date=5 July 2012 |archive-date=4 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213946/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2012/06/129_113221.html |url-status=live }} To meet demand, Samsung had hired 75,000 workers, and its South Korean factory was running at its peak capacity of 5 million smartphone units per month.

A manufacturing flaw resulted in a large portion of the new smartphones having irregularities with the "hyper-glazing" process. The mistake caused an undesirable finish on the blue back covers and resulted in the disposal of up to 600,000 plastic casings and a shortage of the blue model. The issue was later resolved; however, Reuters estimated that the shortage had cost Samsung two million S III sales during its first month of release.{{cite news |title=For Samsung, Galaxy halo effect comes with supply crunch |author=Kim, Miyoung |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-samsung-galaxy-supply-idUSBRE85P0AH20120626 |work=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters |date=26 June 2012 |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-date=28 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628100513/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/26/us-samsung-galaxy-supply-idUSBRE85P0AH20120626 |url-status=live }}

On 6 September 2012, Samsung revealed that sales of the S III had reached 20 million in 100 days, making it three and six times faster-selling than the Galaxy S II and the Galaxy S, respectively. Europe accounted for more than 25 percent of this figure with 6 million units, followed by Asia (4.5 million) and the US (4 million); sales in South Korea, the S III's home market, numbered 2.5 million.{{cite news |title=Samsung's Galaxy S3 sales top 20 mil. |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2012/09/123_119242.html |newspaper=The Korea Times |publisher=The Hankook Ilbo Media Group |date=9 September 2012 |access-date=6 September 2012 |archive-date=8 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908015645/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2012/09/123_119242.html |url-status=live }} Around the same time of Samsung's announcement, sales of the S III surpassed that of the iPhone 4S in the US.{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57505552-37/upset-iphone-4s-surrenders-u.s-crown-to-galaxy-s3/ |title=Upset! iPhone 4S surrenders U.S. crown to Galaxy S3 |author=Cheng, Roger |date=4 September 2012 |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=5 September 2012 |archive-date=4 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904195809/http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57505552-37/upset-iphone-4s-surrenders-u.s-crown-to-galaxy-s3/ |url-status=live }}

In the third quarter of 2012, more than 18 million S III units were shipped, making it the most popular smartphone at the time, ahead of the iPhone 4S's 16.2 million units. Analysts deduced that the slump in iPhone sales was due to customers' anticipation of the iPhone 5.{{cite web|last=Chen|first=Brian X.|date=8 November 2012|url=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/08/samsung-galaxy-surpasses-iphone/?ref=technology|title=Samsung's Galaxy Phone Is No. 1 — for Now|publisher=NYTimes.com|website=Bits.blogs.nytimes.com|access-date=9 November 2012|archive-date=11 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111214446/http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/08/samsung-galaxy-surpasses-iphone/?ref=technology|url-status=live}}

By May 2014, the S III had sold approximately 60 million units since its 2012 release.{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-hits-10-million-sales-mark-smartphone-beats-galaxy-s4-initial-sales-1582476 |title=Samsung Galaxy S5 Hits 10 Million Sales Mark: Smartphone Beats Galaxy S4 Initial Sales Record By Two Days |publisher=Ibtimes.com |date=2014-05-10 |access-date=2014-06-03 |archive-date=7 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607012814/http://www.ibtimes.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-hits-10-million-sales-mark-smartphone-beats-galaxy-s4-initial-sales-1582476 |url-status=live }} In April 2015, the total sales number was reported as 70 million.

On 11 October 2012 Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S III Mini, a {{Convert|4|in|mm|adj=on}} smartphone with lower specifications compared to the S III.{{cite web |url=http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s3-mini-1108587/review |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini review |author=Thorn, Thomas |date=14 February 2013 |work=TechRadar |publisher=Future Publishing |access-date=28 February 2012 |archive-date=16 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116000906/http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s3-mini-1108587/review |url-status=live }}

The reception of the S III has been particularly positive. Critics noted the phone's blend of features, such as its S Voice application, display, processing speed, and dimensions as having an edge over its competition, the Apple iPhone 4S and HTC One X. Vlad Savov of The Verge declared it a "technological triumph",{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/5/25/3042640/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-review |title=Samsung Galaxy S III review |author=Savov, Vlad |date=20 June 2012 |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-date=28 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628090429/http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/25/3042640/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-review |url-status=live }} {{Rating|8.5|10|size=11px|score=8.5/10 stars in a 0–10 star scale}} while Natasha Lomas of CNET UK lauded the phone's "impossibly slim and light casing and a quad-core engine", calling it the "Ferrari of Android phones", a sentiment affirmed ("a prince among Android phones") by Dave Oliver of Wired UK and ("king of Android") Esat Dedezade of Stuff magazine.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/reviews/mobile-phones/2012-05/samsung-galaxy-s3 |title=Samsung Galaxy S III (S3) review |author=Oliver, Dave |date=8 June 2012 |magazine=Wired UK |publisher=Condé Nast Publications |access-date=26 July 2012 |archive-date=5 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805031040/http://www.wired.co.uk/reviews/mobile-phones/2012-05/samsung-galaxy-s3 |url-status=live }} {{Rating|9|10|size=11px|score=9/10 stars in a 0–10 star scale}}{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.tv/review/samsung-galaxy-s3 |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 Review |author=Dedezade, Esat |date=May 2012 |work=Stuff |publisher=Haymarket Media Group |access-date=28 July 2012 |archive-date=12 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712082932/http://www.stuff.tv/review/samsung-galaxy-s3 |url-status=live }} {{Rating|5|5|score=5/5 in a 0–5 star scale}} Gareth Beavis of TechRadar described the S III as "all about faster, smarter and being more minimal than ever before while keeping the spec list at the bleeding edge of technology."{{Harvnb|Beavis|2012|loc=part 18.}} Matt Warman of The Daily Telegraph said, "On spending just a short time with the S3, I'm confident in saying that it's a worthy successor to the globally popular S2".{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9243530/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-review.html |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 review |author=Warman, Matt |date=3 May 2012 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=18 June 2012 |archive-date=17 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617214031/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9243530/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-review.html |url-status=live }} {{Rating|4.5|5|score=4.5/5 in a 0–5 star scale}}

Upon release, a number of critics and publications have made references to the S III, Samsung's 2012 flagship phone,{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 Release In UK Impacts iPhone 4S Sales, 'It's Much Swifter Than The 4S' Analyst Says |author=Eadicicco, Lisa |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/359130/20120703/samsung-galaxy-s3-release-apple-iphone-4s.htm |newspaper=International Business Times |publisher=The International Business Times Inc. |date=3 July 2012 |access-date=4 July 2012 |archive-date=5 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705063334/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/359130/20120703/samsung-galaxy-s3-release-apple-iphone-4s.htm |url-status=live }} as an "iPhone killer",{{cite news |title='iPhone killer' launches |author=Shapshak, Toby |url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2012/06/07/iphone-killer-launches |newspaper=The Times |publisher=Avusa |date=7 June 2012 |access-date=11 July 2012 |archive-date=14 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614051415/http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2012/06/07/iphone-killer-launches |url-status=live }} responding perhaps to Apple's favourable customer perception.{{cite news |title=Amidst Stable of Prizewinners, Apple's Own Brand Still Perceived as Best |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brandindex/2011/12/02/admidst-stable-of-prizewinners-apples-own-brand-still-perceived-the-best/ |newspaper=Forbes |date=2 December 2011 |access-date=11 July 2012 |archive-date=7 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107191809/http://www.forbes.com/sites/brandindex/2011/12/02/admidst-stable-of-prizewinners-apples-own-brand-still-perceived-the-best/ |url-status=live }} The label owes itself to the S III's use of the Android OS—the chief rival of Apple's iOS—as well as its design and features that rival the iPhone 4S such as Smart Stay, a large display, a quad-core processor, Android customizability, and a multitude of connectivity options.{{cite news |title=Review: Is Samsung Galaxy S3 an Apple iPhone killer? |author=Oliveira, Michael |url=http://business.financialpost.com/2012/06/26/review-is-samsung-galaxy-s3-an-apple-iphone-killer/ |newspaper=Financial Post |publisher=Postmedia Network |date=26 June 2012 |access-date=11 July 2012 |archive-date=12 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712173140/http://business.financialpost.com/2012/06/26/review-is-samsung-galaxy-s3-an-apple-iphone-killer/ |url-status=live }}

The S III was the first Android phone to have a higher launch price than the iPhone 4S when the Apple product was released in 2011.{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy SIII vs iPhone: how they stack up |author=Paine, Chris |url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-siii-vs-iphone-how-they-stack-up/story-fn6vihic-1226379782056 |newspaper=News.com.au |publisher=News Limited |date=1 June 2012 |access-date=28 July 2012 |archive-date=26 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626130852/http://www.news.com.au/technology/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-siii-vs-iphone-how-they-stack-up/story-fn6vihic-1226379782056 |url-status=live }} With the S III, Tim Weber, business editor of the BBC, observed, "With the new Galaxy S3 they [Samsung] have clearly managed to move to the front of the smartphone field, ahead of mighty Apple itself."

Conversely, reviewers have opined on the design and feel of phone, calling its polycarbonate shell "cheap"{{cite web |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/review/2181733/samsung-galaxy-s3-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604040220/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/review/2181733/samsung-galaxy-s3-review |url-status=unfit |archive-date=4 June 2012 |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 review |author=Page, Carly |date=1 June 2012 |work=The Inquirer |publisher=AOP |access-date=6 August 2012}} and having a "slippery feel". The S Voice was described as "not optimised" and "more rigid than Siri" with its poor voice-recognition accuracy, with instances when it would not respond at all.{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s-iii/4505-6452_7-35326408.html |title=Samsung Galaxy S III |author=Dolcourt, Jessica |date=19 June 2012 |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=24 June 2012 |archive-date=24 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624111045/http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s-iii/4505-6452_7-35326408.html |url-status=live }} {{Rating|4|5|score=4/5 in a 0–5 star scale}} Another usage problem was a microphone malfunction that resulted in difficulty communicating during a call.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/briancaulfield/2012/07/06/what-bugs-iphone-4s-galaxy-s-iii-users/ |title=What Bugs iPhone 4S, Galaxy S III Users |author=Caulfield, Brian |date=6 July 2012 |work=Forbes |access-date=7 July 2012 |archive-date=8 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708134427/http://www.forbes.com/sites/briancaulfield/2012/07/06/what-bugs-iphone-4s-galaxy-s-iii-users/ |url-status=live }} Reviewers have noted the somewhat abrupt auto-adjustment of display brightness, which tends to under-illuminate the screen;{{#tag:ref|Samsung has since released an over-the-air update that includes a brightness slider.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/7/6/3141644/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-update-brightness-slider-notifications |title=Samsung Galaxy S III update adds brightness slider to notifications menu |author=Streams, Kimber |date=6 July 2012 |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=7 July 2012 |archive-date=9 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709095803/http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/6/3141644/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-update-brightness-slider-notifications |url-status=live }}|group="N"}} however, it has twice the battery life compared to the HTC handset, achieved partly through the dim display.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/302430,samsung-galaxy-s3-has-twice-the-battery-life-of-the-htc-one-x.aspx |title=Samsung Galaxy S3 has twice the battery life of the HTC One X |author=Dedezade, Esat |date=28 May 2012 |work=PC & Tech Authority |publisher=Haymarket Media Group |access-date=4 July 2012 |archive-date=2 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702004352/http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/302430,samsung-galaxy-s3-has-twice-the-battery-life-of-the-htc-one-x.aspx |url-status=live }}{{#tag:ref|The test was performed with the quad-core versions of the two phones performing continuous video playback until battery is depleted.|group="N"}} Others say the numerous pre-installed apps make the S III feel "bloated".{{cite news |title=Samsung Galaxy S3: full review |author=Warman, Matt |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9295535/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-full-review.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=28 May 2012 |access-date=5 July 2012 |archive-date=4 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704072809/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9295535/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-full-review.html |url-status=live }}{{#tag:ref|Others were more positive about the multitude of applications.|group="N"}}

In late-September 2012 TechRadar ranked it as the No. 1 handset in its constantly updated list of the 20 best mobile phones; Stuff magazine also ranked it at No. 1 in its list of 10 best smartphones in May 2012. The S III won an award from the European Imaging and Sound Association under the category of "European Mobile Phone" of 2012–2013. In 2012, the S III won T3's "Phone of the Year" award, beating the iPhone 4S, the Nokia Lumia 900, the Sony Xperia S and others and was voted Phone of the Year by readers of tech website S21.{{cite web |url=http://androidspin.com/2012/12/03/android-dominates-the-s21-mobile-phone-of-the-year-galaxy-s-iii-ranks-number-1 |title=Android dominates the S21 Mobile phone of the Year, Galaxy S III ranks number 1 |date=3 December 2012 |access-date=25 January 2013 |archive-date=18 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118221958/http://androidspin.com/2012/12/03/android-dominates-the-s21-mobile-phone-of-the-year-galaxy-s-iii-ranks-number-1/ |url-status=live }} In February 2013, the S III won the "Best Smartphone" award from the GSMA at Mobile World Congress.{{cite web|title=Samsung Galaxy S3 Scoops Best Smartphone Award At MWC 2013|url=http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Feb2013/samsung-galaxy-s3-scoops-best-smartphone-award-at-mwc-2013.html|publisher=3G.co.uk|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=2 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302001840/http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Feb2013/samsung-galaxy-s3-scoops-best-smartphone-award-at-mwc-2013.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Samsung Galaxy S3 : 10 Tips about Galaxy S3 you should know|url=http://www.itworld.co.kr/news/77025|access-date=2012-07-26|archive-date=1 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601051638/http://www.itworld.co.kr/news/77025|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co.}}

On 5 June 2012, Apple filed for preliminary injunctions in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Samsung Electronics, claiming the S III had violated at least two of the company's patents. Apple requested that the court include the phone in its existing legal battle against Samsung, and ban sales of the S III prior to its scheduled 21 June 2012 US launch.{{cite news |title=TECH WARS: Apple wants to ban the Samsung Galaxy SIII |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/technology/smartphones/tech-wars-apple-wants-to-ban-the-samsung-galaxy-siii/story-fn5ti6kq-1226388664986 |newspaper=Herald Sun |publisher=The Herald and Weekly Times |date=8 June 2012 |access-date=24 June 2012}} Apple claimed the alleged infringements would "cause immediate and irreparable harm" to its commercial interest. Samsung responded by declaring it would "vigorously oppose the request and demonstrate to the court that the Galaxy S3{{Sic}} is innovative and distinctive", and reassured the public that 21 June release would proceed as planned.{{cite news |title=Samsung, Apple patent war heats up over Galaxy S3 |url=http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16006132,00.html |newspaper=Deutsche Welle |publisher=DW |date=7 June 2012 |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-date=10 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610175724/http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16006132,00.html |url-status=live }} On 11 June, Judge Lucy Koh said that Apple's claim would overload her work schedule, as she would also be overseeing the trial of Samsung's other devices; consequently, Apple dropped its request to block 21 June release of the S III.{{cite news |title=Analysis: Apple's big enemy in smartphone wars: delay |author=Levine, Dan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-google-lawsuits-idUSBRE85B1L920120612 |work=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters |date=12 June 2012 |access-date=24 June 2012 |archive-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623220621/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/12/us-apple-google-lawsuits-idUSBRE85B1L920120612 |url-status=live }}

In mid-July 2012, Samsung removed the universal search feature on Sprint and AT&T S III phones with over-the-air (OTA) software updates to disable the local search function as a "precautionary measure" prior to its patent court trial with Apple, which began on 30 July 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/7/16/3162692/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-ota-updates-search-precautionary-measure |title=Samsung Galaxy S III OTA updates removing universal search are a 'precautionary measure' |author=Bohn, Dieter |date=16 July 2012 |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=26 July 2012 |archive-date=24 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724123054/http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/16/3162692/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-ota-updates-search-precautionary-measure |url-status=live }} Although Apple won the trial, the S III experienced a sales spike because of the public's belief that the phone would be banned.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/261647/galaxy_s_iii_sales_spike_after_patent_verdict.html#tk.hp_new |title=Galaxy S III Sales Spike After Patent Verdict |author=Mello, John P. |date=30 August 2012 |work=PCWorld |publisher=IDG |access-date=1 September 2012 |archive-date=1 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901092112/http://www.pcworld.com/article/261647/galaxy_s_iii_sales_spike_after_patent_verdict.html#tk.hp_new |url-status=live }} On 31 August 2012, Apple asked the same federal court to add the S III into its existing complaint, believing the device has violated its patents. Samsung countered with the statement: "Apple continues to resort to litigation over market competition in an effort to limit consumer choice."{{cite news |title=Apple Patent Suit Targets Samsung's Galaxy S III |author=Ramstad, Evan |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390443618604577624410538954138 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=Dow Jones & Company |date=31 August 2012 |access-date=2 September 2012 |archive-date=22 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222042055/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390443618604577624410538954138 |url-status=live }}

• Comparison of Samsung Galaxy S smartphones
• Comparison of smartphones
• Samsung Galaxy S III Progre
• Samsung Galaxy S series
• Samsung Ativ S

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• {{YouTube|id=PbMCtt4NDBc|title=Samsung Mobile Unpacked 2012 – Galaxy SIII (Full Version)}}

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Category:Android (operating system) devices

Category:Discontinued flagship smartphones

Category:Mobile phones introduced in 2012

S3

Category:Mobile phones with user-replaceable battery